Malaysia’s electrical and electronics sector has emerged as a critical player in its economic development, contributing significantly to its GDP and creating employment opportunities. According to a recent Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) report, the sector brings in almost 7% of the country’s GDP and is experiencing growth at a rate of 4% that of the entire Malaysian economy.
Recognising the immense potential of this sector, Malaysia has embarked on a visionary journey to foster innovation and collaboration, paving the way for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
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The country is transforming the sector through strategic initiatives and policies, positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation and technological advancement.
Importance of fostering innovation and collaboration
Malaysia currently stands as a prominent global player in producing and exporting electrical and electronic (E&E) products. Globally it ranks highly, with 13% of chip production, testing and packaging happening in the country and is responsible for 7% of the world’s semiconductor trade. Renowned for its expertise, it has successfully established itself as a leading exporter to many countries, including China, the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.
Among the thriving industries within this sector, the semiconductor field shines brightly, displaying resilience even amidst the global pandemic. With the growing demand for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, optoelectronics and storage devices, the semiconductor industry looks set to experience continuous growth for the foreseeable future.
Continuous innovation is essential for the E&E sector to create new products and services, improve productivity and efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. By developing new products, improving those already on the market and developing a circular economy to recycle products, the E&E sector can start to address the environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues that are increasingly important for global markets and consumers.
With increased investment in the E&E sector, Malaysia can spur the development of cutting-edge products and technologies, ensuring its companies remain at the forefront of global competition. Embracing innovation also opens doors for diversification and expansion into emerging fields, enhancing the sector’s resilience and adaptability.
Strategies to grow the E&E sector in Malaysia
One of the key strategies to improve the sector’s growth is promoting R&D activities within the industry. By recognising the critical role of R&D in driving technological advancements and industry growth, the Malaysian government has taken proactive measures to incentivise private sector investment in this area.
One notable initiative is the Research Incentive Scheme for Enterprises (RISE). This scheme aims to encourage and support companies, particularly those operating in the E&E sector, to increase their investment in research and development. The significant funding invested in RISE underscores the government’s commitment to promoting growth within the industry.
Supporting local startups and SMEs is another crucial strategy for helping the sector continue its upward trajectory. Access to funding, mentorship programs, and incubation facilities are some of the most successful initiatives to nurture entrepreneurship and development within the sector. The Malaysian government has provided various incentives and assistance schemes for companies developing products in this growing field, such as tax exemptions, grants, loans, guarantees, training, and advisory services.
Some of the agencies that offer these support programs include SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), among others. These initiatives not only contribute to the growth and development of individual companies but also enhance the overall competitiveness of the E&E sector in the region and globally.
Additionally, the government has implemented policies and initiatives to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and signed various free trade agreements (FTAs) with economic partners regionally and bilaterally to enhance market access and reduce trade barriers for E&E products. These trade and investment opportunities give Malaysian companies global exposure and access to international markets, enabling them to expand their reach, become globally competitive players in the sector and help to develop the country as an E&E hub.
Implementing these strategies helps create an atmosphere conducive to growth and development in Malaysia’s E&E sector, bringing immense potential benefits. By promoting R&D, Malaysia can drive the development of cutting-edge technologies and solutions that address industry challenges and capture new market opportunities.
Supporting startups and SMEs not only stimulates entrepreneurship and job creation but also fosters a culture of innovation and risk-taking, fueling further advancements in the sector and contributing to the country’s overall economic development while positioning Malaysia as a leader in the global E&E industry.
Malaysia’s vision for the E&E sector also emphasises the importance of fostering collaboration. Through strategies such as promoting R&D, supporting local startups and SMEs, and facilitating trade and investment opportunities, Malaysia aims to create an ecosystem that encourages developing and adopting cutting-edge technologies, inspires entrepreneurship, and strengthens global collaborations. Malaysia’s electrical and electronics sector is poised to thrive despite economic downturns as it continues to seize new opportunities for sustainable growth and competitiveness.